Frank Pallone: “I understand that some people would like to explore in the Arctic Refuge, but I think that in many ways, your comments…”

“I understand that some people would like to explore in the Arctic Refuge, but I think that in many ways, your comments make me feel even more strongly about why it should not be taking place. Obviously, when the gentleman went there, it was a very beautiful area; the gentleman was witnessing the wildlife. The gentleman seems to feel that whatever has happened so far has not had an impact, but it is obvious from what the gentleman witnessed that it is a very sensitive area, and there is a lot of wildlife. And it is a very beautiful, pristine area. I would maintain that given that fact and given the fact that we are not really talking about that much oil over the long time that is going to impact, I think, U.S. energy policy that we should not take the risk; that the very fact that it is difficult to get there and it is difficult for people to deal with the situation there means that if there was a spill or if there were environmental problems, it would be that much more difficult to clean it up.”